Thomas Cook collapse leads to uncertainty for children’s charity

The Charity Commission has contacted trustees of the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity following the collapse of the travel group.

Earlier this week, Thomas Cook went into liquidation after talks to secure a rescue deal failed.

Its charity, which has been raising funds to improve the lives of children in the UK and overseas since 2009, now faces an uncertain future.

Calls to the charity’s number are answered by a message stating: “Thomas Cook UK plc and associated UK entities have entered compulsory liquidation and are now under the control of the Official Receiver.

"The UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect and all future flights and holidays are cancelled."

It is understood that the charity is preparing a statement to clarify the situation and announce what will happen to any donations still unspent. Liquidator Alix Partners will also work to identify any unspent monies.

The charity raised money through three main sources: donations made by customers when they booked a flight or holiday, donations of unwanted coins on board flights, and fundraising events involving Thomas Cook employees.

A spokeswoman for the Charity Commission said: "According to our records, the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity has not contacted us in relation to the collapse of Thomas Cook.

"We have contacted the trustees to seek information about how they are managing any risks to the charity and its beneficiaries."

According to its accounts, the charity had donated around £3m to third sector groups and community organisations between 2014 and 2017.

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.